Tennessee: “Rutherford Library Board Rescinds Decision to Remove Books on Transgender Issues”
From the The Daily News Journal:
A unanimous Rutherford County Library System Board voted June 2 to rescind a March decision to remove books promoting “transgenderism or ‘gender confusion’ in minors.”
Pending new board chairman Cody York called for the vote after he had persuaded the majority in March to remove the books on transgender topics “to protect children.”
York prior to the June 2 vote said the board could face First Amendment legal challenges to the March decision. Those opposing include the National Coalition Against Censorship in New York.
Legal counsel has advised the board about potentially losing a lawsuit based on the library system’s policy to oppose censorship by the officials and allow parents to decide what books are permitted for their children, York suggested.
The book removing policy divided the board and audience members, including one holding a “No more book bans” sign. Heather Ahmie held a sign saying, “Literacy & Justice for All,” to promote free speech during the meeting with over 70 people in attendance at Murfreesboro City Hall in Council Chambers.
About Gary Price
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
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